The report is based on a examination of nearly 250 departments across more than 100 UK universities.

Positive correlation

Using a system based on a tried and tested measure of management practices, the researchers found that high scores positively correlate with good performances in external assessments of both research and teaching.

The report reveals clear differences across institutions, particularly by university type. Departments in older and more research-intensive universities tending to be better managed than those in newer and more teaching-focused universities, it says.

The biggest difference is in managerial practices relating to incentives for recruitment and retention of staff, it notes.

Limited competition

The report suggests that one reason why newer universities do not adopt the research-intensive universities’ model may be the limited competition between the two university types.

The report also finds that management scores at the department level are more important than those at the university level.

The measure of management practices used by the researchers has been used in the past to predict the performance of private sector firms.

They used the tool to examine the relationship between management scores and a number of externally collected measures of performance, covering both research and teaching.

Events

This conference will explore how universities are using their global networks and partners to achieve more far-reaching knowledge exchange impacts and create new international business partnerships in other regions of the world.

This year’s event will tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with increased competition and choice in the sector off the back of momentous higher education reforms. Delegates will gain an exclusive introduction to the Office for Students, learn how to establish their institution as an international brand, debate the drive for digital in the sector and identify ways to enhance the student experience.

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Efficiency Exchange enables professionals to discover and share good practice and innovation to help create smarter working universities. The service is delivered by the Centre for Citizenship Enterprise and Governance.